upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

I saw posted on the "free samples" heading people were inquiring about clipping their tiels nails. Like everything else you gotta know what you are doing. Next time you go to a vet or bird shop and they clip your birds nails. Ask them to show you how. You just want to clip the tiny tips NOT the nail! I do mine all the time but it took me a while to handle the bird properly and keep a steady hand.I use a regualr small nail clipper JUST for the birds.

It's always best if you have someone hold the little guy in a towl why you do it. it keeps them calm also make sure you have some powder handy in case you cut a little to much and it starts to bleed

Thanks Boston B - I guess we should have started a new post. Thanks for doing that. I have a vet check up on Tuesday for Casper. I will have my doc show me how and see if I think it is something I can do.

Glad this thread started.. I just posted to the free samples thread, and mentioned we had gotten way off topic. Anyhow, my method is there, as well in some much earlier post.

Works for me....

-s

Sorry - that's my fault....I have a tendency to get off topic!! I have had his nails clipped where he was wrapped in a towel and I felt so bad for him. I'm sure it's safe and doesn't hurt him, but he just looks miserable. I really prefer to have two people do the clipping....one to hold and the other to clip. It looks much less stressful.

It takes awhile to get the hang of it (and confidence) to clip your tiels nails. Take your time. I wrap my tiel(s)snug in a towel and do one nail at a time. They hate it but I give them kisses and treats afterward.
It's funny though because the budgies watch this, lean over and squawk almost ot say "ha ha! I'm glad it's not me, sucker!"

I picked up a handy tool that cortorizes (spelling?) the nail if I go to low and hit the "quick". It actually burns the nail - smells like....burned nails or hair (yuk). Anyway, it's definately a 2 person job and takes a while to get the hang of it.

How often do you do your tiels nails? I have to do it about every 8 weeks - I think it's because she doesn't seem to frip her perches very tightly. Since this is my first tiel (bird for that matter) I don't know how tight a grip is the norm.

Yup, 6-8 weeks sounds about right.It is important to do it because sometimes my birds would get caught on some of their rope toys if their nails got a ibt long so now I just do their names regularly to:
a) prevent accidents with getting caught with ropes, my fuzzy sweaters etc..
b) I get scratched up when they perch on my arm or (bare) shoulder

you do not have to cut tonails that often if : you have a sandpaper coverd perch, natural wood perch and several other cage items you can purchase at you're local store. I only trimed joeys nails after about 6 months and then it was one toe. the natural perches or sand paper coved allows the little guys to take care of them selves and it is very important to there happiness they can do this.

theo

I have cement, menzanite, and sand perches and still they grow! I think it's because she doesn't have a real tight grip when she perches even with the diversity of width and types for her feet to get the excercis they need.

I guess it's just like people - everyone's nails don't frow the same rate or strength.

I don't know what I have done diffrent but I haven't had to clip my tiels nails -she pretty much takes care of it...

My tiel's nails need to be clipped, I can tell. When I have him out, he likes it on my arm and his little nails get caught in some of my shirts---they also look kinda long, and I am afraid of doing it myself. I have to take him somewhere to get it done soon. I have a cement perch in his cage, but he doesn't seem to use it as much as the wooden ones. I heard the sandpaper perches are bad for their feet and irritate them, so I don't use them.